WITH just one week left before the voters’ registration weekend, the Department of Home Affairs has pulled out all the stops.
In a bid to accommodate citizens, the department has announced slight changes to its working hours and the opening of its offices this Saturday, 11 November.
The department said the service they'll be rendering will exclusively be the collection of smart ID cards and passports.
Home Affairs said its offices will be open from 8am until 1pm. This as the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) voter registration weekend will be held from 18-19 November.
To register to vote, you need a South African identity document. Either a green barcoded ID book, an ID smart card or a valid temporary ID certificate.
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According to the commission, all South African citizens aged 16 years or older can register to vote, but to vote you need to be 18 years or older.
Home Affairs spokesman Siya Qoza said in addition, to ease pressure on its clients, Home Affairs has introduced dedicated counters for collections in large offices that process Smart ID Cards and passports, where space allows.
“Clients can now book collection appointments before visiting the offices using the Branch Appointment Booking System, which is available on the DHA website – www.dha.gov.za through this link: https://services.dha.gov.za/#/authenticate/identity.
“The department also allows clients who may not have an opportunity to book appointments to visit as walk-ins and will be assisted to collect their IDs and passports,” he said.
Qoza said the ID services will also be available at all Home Affairs offices during the voter registration weekend.
He urged all those who have applied for their identification documents and have been waiting for three weeks or more, to the seize opportunity by visiting their Home Affairs office to collect these critical documents at their convenience on Saturday, 11 November, or on the weekend of 18-19 November.
